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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Styron mange to avoid the recommended shock treatment?
(a) He begins to get better immediately.
(b) His doctor doesn't believe in it.
(c) He refuses to let them do it.
(d) He pretends that he had already had it.

2. What does this music make him realize?
(a) That he couldn't leave all the pleasant memories that the house around him held.
(b) That he didn't want to life any more.
(c) That music could restore his soul.
(d) That his suicide would hurt his wife too much.

3. What is the second stage of psychological development in depression?
(a) Physical pain.
(b) Euphoria.
(c) Dependency.
(d) Suicide.

4. What does Styron say is the most important consideration in depression?
(a) Discovering how early diagnoses can be made or predicted.
(b) Discovering which medicines are most effective.
(c) Discovering a cure.
(d) Discovering what causes depressed people to commit suicide.

5. According to Styron, what is the touchstone of depression?
(a) Suicide.
(b) Support.
(c) Loss.
(d) Medicine.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is so frustrating about depression for artists, musicians, and scientists?

2. Why does he throw his diary in the garbage instead of burning it?

3. Styron compares the theories about depression to the theories about what?

4. What did alcohol do for Styron that he considered positive?

5. What aspect of depression parallels the threshold of pain?

(see the answer keys)

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